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Giant Steps |
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The 1st
Iran Oil Refining Forum "once again united science and technology against the
forces of political sanctions," according to Mohammad Zali, Director of
Refining Affairs and member of the Board of Directors of the NIORDC. He also
mentioned that many firms and companies are interested in participating in the
"giant steps" the Iranian refining sector will be taking in the coming years.
In an interview, Zali, who has served in different positions within Iran’s
refining sector, also examined the overall developments within the sector.
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Mohammad Zali, Director of Refining
Affairs & Member of the Board of Directors of the NIORDC |
Currently, what is the total production capacity of Iran’s
refining sector and its distribution scope?
There are nine
refineries in the country which receive a total of 1.65 million crude barrels
per day (bpd) and produce 1.6 million barrels per day of refined goods.
Does the domestic production meet the demand of the
country?
No. We are
constantly importing gasoline, LPG, and gas oil.
What types of refined fuel products are imported?
We import nearly
32,000 to 35,000 barrels of gasoline, nearly 7,000 barrels of gas oil, and
around 3,000 to 5,000 cubic meters of LPG.
Could you explain more about refinery expansion and
development plans taking place around the country?
The most
significant grass roots projects include the new Bandar Abbas 360,000 bpd
condensate refinery, the new Abadan 160,000 bpd refinery and the new Bandar
Abbas 300,000 bpd refinery. Moreover, expansion plans are under consideration
for other refineries, namely a 100,000 bpd refinery in Arak, a 40,000 bpd
refinery in Tabriz, an 110,000 bpd refinery in Kermanshah, and a 60,000 bpd
refinery in Shiraz.
What is the estimated amount of total investments that are
needed for boosting the country’s refining capacity and during what period are
these investments needed in order to make the country self-sufficient?
The necessary
investment in refineries for the implementation of all the main projects is
estimated at 15 billion dollars which will have to be attracted within the
coming five years. The total refining output will then reach 2.5 million bpd.
How would you asses the recent Iran Refining Forum held in
Tehran and what steps were taken towards future partnerships in the field?
The 1st Iran Refining Forum was indeed a
success. Given the many different factors involved in holding such an event,
it may easily rank near excellence. Many firms and individuals show interest
in participating in the giants steps the Iranian refining sector will be
taking in the future. It is too early at this stage to have prepared any
proposals or to declare partnerships and intentions. Yet, what is clear is
that once again the forces of economy, science, and technology, united against
the barriers of political sanctions. |
